Plants and Magic
Exploring Our Spiritual Connection to Plants

Presented by the Conservatory of Flowers and the San Francisco Botanical
Saturday, November 4, 2006
12:00pm - 9:00 pm
Meet at the Conservatory of Flowers at Noon

This one-day event explores our deep spiritual connection to plants and their many uses in ritual, in discovery and as spiritual allies. Plants not only provide our food, shelter, and air, they have long played a fundamental role in the spiritual lives of people around the world.

Join us as we learn about the sacred role of plants and the plant-based rituals of Earth's diverse cultures. Participate in the "Blessing of the Blooms" that will launch the day. Learn about shamanic uses of plants, join us in the Kava Lounge for inspired conversation and move to the sounds of Brazilian drummers.

Presenters include:

Dr. Mark Plotkin

Author of the best-selling Tales of a Shaman's Apprentice, has been working with elder shamans of Central and South America to learn about healing plants for more than 20 years. Dr. Plotkin is President of the Amazon Conservation Team, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the biological and cultural diversity of the tropical rain forest.
http://ethnobotany.org/

Luisah Teish

Author of the highly acclaimed and provocative Jambalaya: The Natural Woman's Book of Personal Charms and Practical Rituals, an Oshun chief in the Yoruba Lucumi tradition. Internationally known for her performances of African, Carribbean, and African-American folklore.
http://www.ileorunmilaoshun.org/

Dr. Amalia Mesa-Bains

A MacArthur "genius" grant recipient, artist Mesa-Bains will explore the work of the Curandera, or healer. Her work is rooted in the practice and consciousness of the Mexican-American community through the traditions of the home altar and the celebrations of the Day of the Dead.
http://vpa.csumb.edu/faculty/mesa_bains.htm

Thomas Yu Wang

Wang's fascinating work focuses on the intersection between human and plant cultures, and the binding of regional ecology and mythology with emphasis on his ancestral Chinese homeland and California.

Kathleen Harrison

Nationally known teacher, ethnobotanist and Director of Botanical Dimensions, a foundation devoted to preserving medicinal and spiritual plant knowledge. Harrison will expand our consciousness around essential plant knowledge that is currently in danger of being lost.

Join us in the Kava Lounge for refreshments, unusual plants for sale, inspired artwork and special book bargains.

Schedule:
Main Seminar Events - 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Kava Lounge 5:00pm - 7:00 pm
Mark Plotkin Presentation - 7:00pm - 9:00 pm

The day begins at the Conservatory of Flowers.
The Kava Lounge and Dr. Plotkin's presentation are at the San Francisco Botanical Garden

Prices:
A portion of all proceeds will benefit the SFBGS and the Conservatory's Education Programs and the Amazon Conservation Team.

All day pass to events
SFBGS and SF Parks Trust members $80 Non-members $95

Mark Plotkin's evening presentation only
SFBGS and SF Parks Trust members $20 Non-members $25

To register call: (415) 661-1316 x 354
or visit www.inticketing.com